U.S. patent application number 11/170388 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for network support for service denial based on speed of mobile station.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lucent Technologies Inc.. Invention is credited to David S. Benco, Sanjeev Mahajan, Baoling S. Sheen, Sandra Lynn True.
Application Number | 20070004413 11/170388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37590279 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070004413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahajan; Sanjeev ; et
al. |
January 4, 2007 |
Network support for service denial based on speed of mobile
station
Abstract
A method is provided for supporting a speed-based denial of
service feature (30) in a telecommunications network (A). The
method includes: determining a speed of a mobile station (40)
served by a facility (20) of the telecommunications network (A);
determining a threshold; and, denying the mobile station (40)
service when the speed of the mobile station (40) exceeds the
threshold.
Inventors: |
Mahajan; Sanjeev;
(Naperville, IL) ; Benco; David S.; (Winfield,
IL) ; Sheen; Baoling S.; (Naperville, IL) ;
True; Sandra Lynn; (St. Charles, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY SHARPE/LUCENT
1100 SUPERIOR AVE
SEVENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
Lucent Technologies Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37590279 |
Appl. No.: |
11/170388 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/441 ;
455/421 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/441 ;
455/421 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20 |
Claims
1. A method for supporting a speed-based denial of service feature
in a telecommunications network, said method comprising: (a)
determining a speed of a mobile station (MS) served by a facility
of the telecommunications network; (b) determining a threshold;
and, (c) denying the MS service when the speed of the MS exceeds
the threshold.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises: determining a
first location of the MS at a first time; and, determining a second
location of the MS at a second time spaced from the first time by a
time interval.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein step (a) further comprises:
determined a distance between the first and second locations; and,
dividing the distance by the time interval.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises: obtaining the
threshold from a database, said threshold having been set by a user
and stored in the database.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises: maintaining a
database in which speed limits are associated with locations where
the speed limits are applicable; determining a location of the MS;
and, selecting as the threshold the speed limit from the database
corresponding to the location of the MS.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises: at least one
of: dropping a call currently in progress on the MS; blocking a
call origination from the MS; or blocking a call termination to the
MS.
7. A system for supporting a speed-based denial of service feature
in a telecommunications network, said system comprising: speed
determination means for determining a speed of a mobile station
(MS) served by a facility of the telecommunications network;
threshold determination means for determining a threshold for the
MS; and, service denial means for denying the MS service when the
speed of the MS exceeds the threshold for the MS.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the speed determination means
comprises: location determination means for determining a first
location of the MS at a first time; and, determining a second
location of the MS at a second time spaced from the first time by a
time interval.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the speed determination means
further comprises: distance determination means for determined a
distance between the first and second locations; and, calculating
means for dividing the distance by the time interval.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a database in which
a user set threshold is stored for the MS, said threshold
determination means selecting the threshold from the database which
corresponds to the MS.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a database in which
speed limits are associated with locations where the speed limits
are applicable; and, location determination means for determining a
location of the MS; wherein the threshold determination means
selects as the threshold for the MS the speed limit from the
database corresponding to the location of the MS.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the service denial means
operates to achieve at least one of the following: dropping a call
currently in progress on the MS; blocking a call origination from
the MS; or blocking a call termination to the MS.
13. A mobile switching center (MSC) operatively connected to a
telecommunications network and one or more base stations, said MSC
selectively providing telecommunication services to a mobile
station (MS) operatively connecting to the MSC via one or more of
the base stations, said MSC comprising: an application server that
provides a denial of service feature to a subscriber employing the
MS, said feature operative to: determine a speed of the mobile
station (MS); and, deny the MS service based upon the determined
speed of the MS.
14. The MSC of claim 13, wherein the feature is operative to deny
the MS service when the speed of the MS exceeds a threshold.
15. The MSC of claim 14, further comprising: a subscriber database
from which the feature obtains the threshold.
16. The MSC of claim 13, further comprising: a location
determination device that detects a location of the MS.
17. The MSC of claim 16, further comprising: a speed limit database
which relates speed limits to locations where the speed limits are
applicable; wherein said feature obtains that speed limit from the
database which corresponds to the location of the MS detected by
the location determination device, and said feature is operative to
deny the MS service when the determined speed of the MS exceeds the
obtained speed limit.
18. The MSC of claim 16, wherein the feature determines the speed
of the MS by: obtaining a first detected location of the MS from
the location determination device at a first time; obtaining a
second location of the MS from the location determination device at
a second time spaced from the first time by a time interval;
calculating a distance between the first and second locations; and,
dividing the difference by the time interval.
19. The MSC of claim 13, wherein when the feature denies the MS
service, at least one of the following results is achieved: a call
currently in progress on the MS is dropped; a call origination from
the MS is blocked; or a call termination to the MS is blocked.
20. The MSC of claim 13, wherein when the feature operates to deny
the MS service, a message is sent to the MS indicating a reason
service was denied.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present inventive subject matter relates to the
telecommunication arts. Particular application is found in
conjunction with certain types of telecommunication networks and/or
facilities, and the specification makes particular reference
thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the
present inventive subject matter are also amenable to other like
applications, networks and/or facilities.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Using a mobile telephone to place or receive a call,
participating in a mobile telephone call, and/or other activities
one may chose to engage in with their mobile telephone, typically
involve a certain amount of concentration on the task by the
individual so engaged. In some instances, engaging in the operation
or use of one's mobile telephone can distract the user from another
task being simultaneously performed. Accordingly, the performance
of other task may suffer from the lack of attention thereto. Where
the other task involves certain dangers, e.g., that may be enhanced
by a lack of attention, preferably, individuals would direct most
if not all of their attention to the other task and forego the
distraction presented by operation and/or use of their mobile
telephone.
[0003] Nevertheless, many individuals still insist on operating
and/or using their mobile telephones while driving or otherwise
operating a motor vehicle despite the associated risks. These risks
may be even further exacerbated when the motor vehicle is being
operated at a high rate of speed or in excess of a posted speed
limit.
[0004] In some places, an attempt has been made to deter
undesirable behaviors, e.g., by enacting laws that prohibit
simultaneous use of a mobile telephone while operating a motor
vehicle. While the law may punish those who disobey it and/or deter
others from engaging in the outlawed behavior, it does not prevent
individuals from choosing to engage in the behavior. Therefore, it
is advantageous to have a mechanism for regulating an individuals
ability to use a mobile telecommunications device under certain
circumstances, e.g., when operating a motor vehicle.
[0005] Accordingly, a new and improved telecommunications feature
for denying service to a mobile station based upon its speed is
disclosed that overcomes the above-referenced problems and
others.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for
supporting a speed-based denial of service feature in a
telecommunications network. The method includes: determining a
speed of a mobile station (MS) served by a facility of the
telecommunications network; determining a threshold; and, denying
the MS service when the speed of the MS exceeds the threshold.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, a system for
supporting a speed-based denial of service feature in a
telecommunications network includes: speed determination means for
determining a speed of a mobile station (MS) served by a facility
of the telecommunications network; threshold determination means
for determining a threshold for the MS; and, service denial means
for denying the MS service when the speed of the MS exceeds the
threshold for the MS.
[0008] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a mobile
switching center (MSC) is operatively connected to a
telecommunications network and one or more base stations. The MSC
selectively provides telecommunication services to a mobile station
(MS) operatively connecting to the MSC via one or more of the base
stations. Suitably, the MSC includes an application server that
provides a denial of service feature to a subscriber employing the
MS. The feature is operative to: determine a speed of the mobile
station (MS); and, deny the MS service based upon the determined
speed of the MS.
[0009] Numerous advantages and benefits of the inventive subject
matter disclosed herein will become apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art upon reading and understanding the present
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The inventive subject matter may take form in various
components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and
arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of
illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as
limiting. Further, it is to be appreciated that the drawings are
not to scale.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
telecommunications network suitable for practicing aspects of the
present inventive subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process
embodying aspects of the present inventive subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] For clarity and simplicity, the present specification shall
refer to structural and/or functional elements, entities and/or
facilities, relevant communication standards, protocols and/or
services, and other components that are commonly known in the
telecommunications art without further detailed explanation as to
their configuration or operation except to the extent they have
been modified or altered in accordance with and/or to accommodate
the preferred embodiment(s) presented herein.
[0014] With reference to FIG. 1, a telecommunications network A
includes a public switched telephone network 10 operatively
connected to and/or in communication with a mobile switching center
(MSC) 20 in the usual manner. The MSC 20 is operatively connected
to and/or in communication with a plurality of base stations (BS)
30 in the usual manner. As is understood in the art, each BS 30
provides an over-the-air radio frequency interface for its
respective geographic area or cell 32. Selectively, a mobile
station (MS) 40 (e.g., in the form of a mobile telephone or any
other suitable wireless end user terminal) is provided
telecommunication services and/or otherwise accesses the network A
via the interface and/or BS 30 serving the cell 32 in which the MS
40 is located.
[0015] While only one MSC is illustrated in FIG. 1 for purposes of
simplification and clarity, it is to be appreciated that the
network A may in fact include any number of one or more MSCs that
are similarly situated and/or arranged. Additionally, while three
BS 30 and three corresponding cells 32 are illustrated in FIG. 1,
it is to be appreciated that more or less than three base stations
and/or cells may be similarly situated with respect to any of the
one or more MSCs in the network A. That is to say, each MSC in the
network A may optionally serve any number of one or more base
stations and/or corresponding cells. Additionally, while only one
exemplary MS is illustrated in FIG. 1, the network A optionally
serves any number of one or more mobile stations similarly situated
and/or arranged in any of the one or more cells 32.
[0016] As illustrated, the MSC 20 includes or has access to a
speed-based denial of service feature 22 that is selectively
employed to deny the MS 40 service or access to the network A.
Suitably, the feature 22 is implemented via a program and/or other
appropriate software running on an application server, however, it
may alternately be implemented in any suitable fashion and/or on
another suitable platform or equipment. Optionally, the feature 22
is only made available to a user of the MS 40 if they have a proper
subscription thereto. Moreover, the feature is optionally activated
or deactivated by the subscriber as desired. Accordingly,
subscription and/or activation information is maintained in a
subscriber DB 24 which is queried by the MSC 20 to determine the
subscription and/or activation status prior to actual
implementation of the feature 22. For example, the subscriber DB 24
optionally has a list stored therein, and/or otherwise maintains
data or information that indicates, which MS and/or users served by
the MSC 20 (e.g., identified by their telephone numbers or other
like identifiers) do and/or do not subscribe to the feature 22, and
whether or not at a given instance the feature 22 is activated or
deactivated.
[0017] Assuming the feature 22 is active, the MS 40 is selectively
denied service or access to the network A based upon its measured
or otherwise determined speed or velocity. Suitably, to determine
or measure the speed of the MS 40, two or more location
measurements are taken over a period of time. That is to say, the
geographic location (i.e., geo-location) of the MS 40 is detected
or otherwise determined at two or more times separated by some set
or otherwise known time interval. As can be appreciated, the speed
is then readily calculated or determined by taking the difference
between two detected locations (i.e., the distance traveled by the
MS 40) and dividing that result by the time interval between
location measurements (i.e., the amount of time it took the MS 40
to travel the distance). Optionally, a plurality of speed
measurements or determinations are taken from which an average
speed, median speed, mean speed or some otherwise weight
representation of the actual speed is determined or calculated and
used as the speed of the MS 40 by the feature 22.
[0018] Suitably, any one or more of various known techniques are
used to measure or detect the current location of the MS 40. For
example, the MS 40 is optionally equipped with a global positioning
system (GPS) receiver or other like device from which the
geo-location of the MS 40 is obtained. Alternately, a network or
MS-based technique is employed to determine or measure the
geo-location of the MS 40, e.g., using the over-the-air interface
and/or signals exchanged with one or more of the BS 30. For
example, suitable known network and/or MS-based solutions for
determining the geo-location of the MS 40 include, without
limitation: observed time difference (OTD); time of arrival (TOA);
time difference of arrival (TDOA); angle of arrival (AOA);
multipath fingerprinting; timing advance (TA); enhanced forward
link triangulation (EFLT); received signal strength (RSS); etc.
Optionally, a hybrid geo-location determination solution combining
one or more of the aforementioned techniques is employed or
so-called assisted-GPS may also be employed.
[0019] Optionally, while the MS 40 is being used to participate in
a call, the feature 22 monitors the speed of the MS 40. If the
speed is detected to exceed a set or otherwise determined
threshold, suitably, the MS 40 is sent an initial warning
indicating that an excessive speed has been detected. For example,
a recording or message is optionally played or sent to the MS 40
indicating that the call will be dropped or ended if the excessive
speed is not reduced. After the user is given a sufficient amount
of time in which to comply, if the monitored speed of the MS 40 is
not reduced to an acceptable level (e.g., below the threshold), the
call is in fact dropped, optionally, after again indicating to the
user why the call is being dropped. Alternately, of course, the
call is optionally dropped without any initial warning the first
time excessive speed is detected. In still another alternate
embodiment, multiple warnings optionally precede actual dropping of
the call.
[0020] With respect to call origination, optionally, the feature 22
determines the speed of the MS 40 prior to permitting a call to
originate from the MS 40. If the speed exceeds the set or otherwise
determined threshold, suitably, service is denied to the MS 40.
Rather, the MS 40 is optionally played or sent a recording or
message indicating why the MS 40 is being denied service.
Similarly, with respect to call termination, optionally, the
feature 22 determines the speed of the MS 40 prior to connecting or
delivering a call to the MS 40 or otherwise prior to alerting the
MS 40 of an incoming call. If the speed exceeds the set or
otherwise determined threshold, suitably, service is again denied
to the MS 40. That is to say, the call is not connected to the MS
40 and/or the MS. 40 is not alerted of the incoming call.
Optionally, the calling party is treated as if the call was not
answered in the normal fashion or as if the MS 40 was not able to
be located. Additionally, a voicemail or message is also optionally
sent to the subscriber's corresponding mailbox or missed call list
indicating that the incoming call had been missed and/or why the MS
40 was denied service.
[0021] Suitably, the threshold employed by the feature 22 is set or
determined to correspond with a posted or otherwise legal speed
limit for the current geo-location of the MS 40. For example, as
illustrated, a speed limit look-up-table or DB 26 is programmed or
provisioned with the speed limits for various geo-locations
corresponding to roadways, etc. That is to say, the different speed
limits are cross-referenced to the respective geo-locations where
those speed limits are posted or otherwise applicable. Accordingly,
the feature 22 accesses the DB 26 using the detected or determined
geo-location of the MS 40 as an index or the like to obtain the
corresponding speed limit for that geo-location from the DB 26. The
obtained speed limit is then used as the threshold against which
the monitored or detected speed of the MS 40 is compared.
[0022] Optionally, in certain locations, e.g., in cities or on
roadways where operating a motor vehicle while talking or otherwise
operating a mobile telephone is restricted or prohibited, the speed
threshold used by the feature 22 is set to or near zero. For
example, such geo-locations in the DB 26 are optionally associated
with a zero or near zero speed limit. In this manner, if any speed
over the zero or near zero threshold (i.e., any speed sufficiently
fast enough to indicate motor vehicle operation) is detected, then
service is denied to the MS 40. Alternately, the threshold is
optionally set by the subscriber to a desired level. For example,
the subscriber set threshold is optionally maintained in the
subscriber DB 24 with their other subscription information.
Accordingly, the feature 22 access the DB 24 to obtain the speed
threshold that is applied for the MS 40. In this manner, e.g., the
subscriber can optionally choose to prohibit use of the MS 40 while
operating a motor vehicle by setting the threshold sufficiently
low.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary process illustrating
the operation of the speed-based service denial feature 22 will now
be described. The process starts at decision step 100 where it is
determined if the user of the MS 40 has a proper subscription to
the feature 22 and/or if the feature 22 is activated. Suitably, the
facility 20 queries the DB 24 to obtain the relevant subscription
and/or activation status for the MS 40 or its user. If there is no
subscription or the feature 22 is not activated for the MS 40, then
the process jumps ahead to step 108 wherein call handling is
conducted normally, i.e., regardless of the speed of the MS 40.
That is to say, at step 108, the MS 40 is permitted continue on
calls already in progress, originate new calls, receive in-coming
calls, etc. Otherwise, if there is a proper subscription and/or
that the feature 22 is activated for the MS 40, then the process
continues to step 102.
[0024] At step 102, the speed of the MS 40 is detected or otherwise
determined. For example, the geo-location of MS 40 is detected or
otherwise determined at least twice. Suitably, the location
measurements or determinations are taken at two different times
separated by a time interval. The speed of the MS 40 is then
determined by calculating the difference in location between two of
the geo-location measurements divided by the time interval there
between. Optionally, the speed of the MS 40 is determined to be an
average, median, mean or otherwise weighted combination of multiple
speed measurements.
[0025] At step 104, a speed threshold is determined. For example,
the speed threshold is optionally set by the subscriber and
acquired or obtained by the feature 22 from the subscriber DB 24.
Alternately, the speed threshold is acquired or obtained by the
feature 22 from the speed limit DB 26 which relates speed limits to
geo-locations. Suitably, the most recently obtained geo-location
for the MS 40 (e.g., one of the same ones used in the speed
determination step 102) is used as an index or the like to selected
the speed limit from the DB 26 that corresponds to the current
geo-location of the MS 40.
[0026] At decision step 106, the speed of the MS 40 obtained in
step 102 is compared to the threshold speed obtained in step 104.
If the speed of the MS 40 does not exceed the threshold speed
(i.e., the speed of the MS 40 is less than the threshold speed),
then the process continues on to step 108, where call handling is
processed otherwise normally, e.g., the MS 40 is permitted continue
on calls already in progress, originate new calls, receive
in-coming calls, etc. Otherwise, if the speed of the MS 40 does
exceed the threshold speed (i.e., the speed of the MS 40 is greater
than the threshold speed), then the process branches to step 110.
At step 110, service is denied to the MS 40, e.g., calls already in
progress on the MS 40 are dropped, calls are denied origination
from the MS 40, in-coming calls are not connected or delivered to
the MS 40 and/or the MS 40 is not alerted for in-coming calls,
etc.
[0027] It is to be appreciated that in connection with the
particular exemplary embodiments presented herein certain
structural and/or function features are described as being
incorporated in defined elements and/or components. However, it is
contemplated that these features may, to the same or similar
benefit, also likewise be incorporated in other elements and/or
components where appropriate. It is also to be appreciated that
different aspects of the exemplary embodiments may be selectively
employed as appropriate to achieve other alternate embodiments
suited for desired applications, the other alternate embodiments
thereby realizing the respective advantages of the aspects
incorporated therein.
[0028] It is also to be appreciated that particular elements or
components described herein may have their functionality suitably
implemented via hardware, software, firmware or a combination
thereof. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that certain
elements described herein as incorporated together may under
suitable circumstances be stand-alone elements or otherwise
divided. Similarly, a plurality of particular functions described
as being carried out by one particular element may be carried out
by a plurality of distinct elements acting independently to carry
out individual functions, or certain individual functions may be
split-up and carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting
in concert. Alternately, some elements or components otherwise
described and/or shown herein as distinct from one another may be
physically or functionally combined where appropriate.
[0029] In short, the present specification has been set forth with
reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and
alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the
present specification. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *